I-T questions Anushka over undeclared items

The income tax (I-T) authorities on Tuesday recorded actor Anushka Sharma, statement, regarding the undeclared jewellery and watches she was found to be carrying while she was crossing the green channel of the international airport.

The income tax (I-T) authorities on Tuesday recorded actor Anushka Sharma, statement, regarding the undeclared jewellery and watches she was found to be carrying while she was crossing the green channel of the international airport.

Sharma was summoned by the investigation wing of the I-T department, after her detention by the Customs department at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, on Monday. She was returning from Toronto, where she had gone to attend the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards.

She was found to be carrying 12 pieces of diamond studded jewellery and two Christian Dior watches, totally worth Rs35 lakh.

An I-T official handed over the summons to Sharma on Monday at the airport, asking her to visit the office of the investigation wing.

A senior I-T official, requesting anonymity, said that Anushka was asked if the jewellery belonged to her, or was borrowed. “Anushka told us the same thing that she had said at the Customs, that the jewellery and watches were given by various brands to promote them at the IIFA,”

The authorities also asked about her other sources of income. The official added the department would record statements of the jewellers and the watch dealer, who supposedly gave her the items, only if the need arose. The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs on Wednesday recorded statements of representatives from two of the four jewellery houses named by her. Mahendra Pal, Additional commissioner of Customs, AIU, confirmed that the representatives’ statements were recorded.

Customs sources said that the jewellery house representatives were called to verify the statement given by Anushka during her detention. They added that the remaining jewellers and the watch dealer would soon be called.

After recording of statements, the Customs would pass judgment in the case and levy the fine and penalty. “It will take five to six months. Till then, the jewellery and watches would be under seizure,” the official said.